Barcelonnette
The heart of the Ubaye Valley
Come discover Barcelonnette, a mountain sub-prefecture in the heart of the Ubaye Valley, at an altitude of 1100 meters. It is the gateway to the Mercantour National Park. The surrounding peaks rise between 2500 and 2900 meters. Barcelonnette is your ideal starting point for outdoor activities in all seasons. Enjoy whitewater sports on the Ubaye River, which flows at its feet. A land steeped in history, closely linked to Mexico, it is rich in traditions and terroir.
A city where you can practice multiple mountain activities
From Barcelonnette, you are ideally located for outdoor and mountain activities. Here are a few of them.
Ubaye and whitewater sports
The Ubaye River is an ideal spot for whitewater sports. You can enjoy a wide range of activities supervised by professionals. Looking to share an unforgettable experience with your family? Rafting in the Ubaye is for you. It's ideal for experiencing intense emotions with your family and enjoying complete safety. Accessible to all, it allows everyone, young and old, to experience immense fun.
Join the professionals in Barcelonnette. In addition to rafting, they also offer river experiences such as whitewater swimming, kayaking, air boating, canyoning, water hiking, and floating.
Where to swim near Barcelonnette?
To stay in the cool water and swim, the outdoor swimming pool of Barcelonnette is open in summer, like the lake of Jausiers. While the Sauze swimming pool, located in the heart of the Sauze resort, welcomes you all year round.
Mountain passes by bike
From Barcelonnette, put on your cycling shorts and hop on your bike, you'll be riding the same roads as the Tour de France riders. In fact, Barcelonnette was a stage town in 2024 for the famous cycling race. Embark on a great cycling adventure, the 7 Passes Certificate.
With 7 iconic passes to climb using your calves' strength, such as the Col de la Bonette, the Col de Vars, the Col d'Allos and the Col de la Cayolle, will you take up the challenge?
Did you know? Passes reserved for cyclists every summer
Do you love cycling? Climb some of the most beautiful passes in the Alpes de Haute Provence in complete freedom!
With the "passes reserved for cyclists" operation, these legendary passes are therefore open only to bicycles, free of charge, without timing or classification, without registration or imposed departure time.
Hiking for all levels
Barcelonnette is surrounded by peaks such as Chapeau de gendarme, Pain de sucre, Séolanes… so many names evoking beautiful mountain runs!
Whatever level of difficulty you are looking for, you will find marked routes. By following the urban route, the Orchard Walk, you pass the beautiful villas of Barcelonnette, including the Musée de la Sapinière. Then, you gain a little height in the shade of the trees, then you reach a belvedere with a superb view of the valley.
La “Belmont Refuge” hike also offers you a breathtaking view of the Barcelonnette valley. This beautiful mountain hike, starting from Faucon de Barcelonnette, is an average hike without major difficulty.
To be accompanied and discover the fauna and flora while walking, or even practice unusual activities, the guides offer themed outings adapted to families, children, or for sports enthusiasts...
Access and location
Join Barcelonnette
Barcelonnette is located in the Ubaye Valley.
By car :
From Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Manosque : Take the A51 motorway via Aix-en-Provence, to the Tallard exit, then towards Barcelonnette.
If you come from Nice : take the RD 202 towards Grenoble, via Digne-les-Bains then Seyne and finally the Ubaye Valley.
From Lyon or Grenoble : take the RD 75 via the Lus-la-Croix-Haute pass then towards Gap and the Ubaye Valley.
By public transport : From the major cities in the region, bus connection.
On site : Use the free shuttles offered during the summer and winter. A great way to get around the villages and resorts of the Ubaye Valley.
Many other activities in each season
Barcelonnette transforms into a playground for adventure lovers in spring.
- In the air Whether you're a fan of flying or tempted by a first flight, the Barcelonnette Saint Pons airfield will delight you. Whether you're looking for a glider, a plane, or a microlight, this is another way to discover the mountain landscapes of the Ubaye Valley. Dreaming of feeling the wind in your hair as you soar through the air? Then you're ready for a paragliding baptism! Professional and experienced instructors will be happy to share their passion.
- Golf: Stay focused on your club and your golf ball because at the Bois Chenu golf course you'll be enjoying a breathtaking panorama. On the banks of the Ubaye River, this 9-hole course takes you through forests, clearings, and lakes...
- Trail running : If you like trail running, three circuits of varying levels start from the city center and gradually take you to the heights. You'll be breathless not only because of the climb but also because of the magnificent landscapes you cross!
- From the ski resorts You can also go hiking, practice downhill mountain biking on the DH trails or have fun on the rail luge at Pra Loup. In Sauze, tackle the bike park and let yourself be tempted by the giant zip line...
- Tennis at altitude : The Pra Loup Tennis Open, approved by the FFT, is one of the biggest tournaments in the Sud Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region and is open to all. The Barcelonnette Tennis Open is in cooperation with the Pra Loup tournament around the Ubaye trophy.
Winter: snowy sports and fun
As soon as the snow covers the golf course, it transforms into a Nordic ski area for children and beginners to enjoy. Strap on your cross-country skis and set off on this easy, free, and accessible loop!
Barcelonnette is also at the foot of the ski resorts of Pra Loup and Sauze. Sainte-Anne is a little further away in Haute-Ubaye. Come ski or snowboard down the snowy slopes, or climb on snowshoes or even ski touring...
A land steeped in history, rich in traditions and terroir
The inhabitants of the Ubaye Valley have always been great travellers, notably with professions as peddlers and shepherds, the valley being a land of transhumance and sheep farming.
The "Barcelonnettes" and Mexico
In the 19th century, many valley residents emigrated to Louisiana and Mexico. Those who made their fortunes returned to the valley and built luxurious Art Nouveau villas. These houses, known locally as Mexican villas, have nothing to do with Mexican architecture.
If you would like to know more, we invite you to visit the Sapinière Museum in BarcelonnetteIt is located in a beautiful Mexican villa and retraces the entire adventure of the "Barcelonnettes". Numerous guided tours will also teach you more about the history of the valley.
Other remarkable villas are located in Jausiers, such as the Château des Magnans on the road to the Col de la Bonette. The cemeteries of Barcelonnette and Jausiers also contain monumental tombs that evoke the success of their owners even after their death.
Links with Mexico still alive
To experience the ever-present connection between the valley and Mexico, simply attend the Latino-Mexican Fiestas. Every summer, for about ten days, you'll experience the rhythm of Mariachi, tacos, and sombreros.
In autumn, it is the “Day of the Dead” which echoes the famous Mexican “Dia de los muertos”.
L'agenda
Throughout the year, Barcelonnette is alive with entertainment and major events! Local markets, torchlit descents at the resorts, shows, conferences, guided tours to understand the heritage...
Our stay which stops in Barcelonnette
With the 7 Passes Cycling Certificate, take on a unique challenge, combining performance and discovery, in the heart of the Alpes de Haute Provence. More than 200 km of sublime roads, 7200 m of cumulative elevation gain and 7 legendary passes await you...
Where to stay?
In the Ubaye Valley, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to overnight stays. From family-run hotels to welcoming guesthouses, from tourist residences to unique accommodations, there's something for everyone.
Where to eat?
Come explore the tables of this charming village and let yourself be seduced by its culinary delights!
Answers to your questions
The surrounding villages not to be missed